Vex (Regenerate #4)

Chapter 4

Lorna bustles in a few minutes later. She doesn't look like she just woke up, even though I know she did. It's that perpetually energetic momentum she has. I'm not sure I've ever seen her look tired.

"Mark told me you were awake," she says. "How are you feeling?"

"Not good," I say. "But alive. I don't think anything like that has ever happened to me before."

If I have my way, nothing like that will ever happen to me again.

"I have this theory that it might be the electricity," Lorna says.

I nod. "Your brother mentioned as much."

"He stayed here the whole time," Lorna says. "He fell asleep in that chair for a few hours. But he was here."

That just makes my heart ache as much as my body does right now.

I sigh. "We're a mess, aren't we."

Lorna snorts. "I've been telling Mark that ever since I first realized he liked you."

"When was that?" I asked. "That you realized he liked me."

And how long has he liked me, for that matter? I know I only realized recently.

Lorna grins. "I knew there was something special about you before I even met you. He took an interest in you right from the start. That's why I went spying on you, after all."

"He took an interest in my powers right away," I say. "I don't think he was interested in me until much later."

"Fine," Lorna says. "Maybe he was just interested in your powers at first. But I wouldn't say the feelings developed much later. To answer your original question, I was suspicious ever since I found out about you. But I was convinced when he started building that suit."

"The suit?" I ask. "That long ago?"

"Yes, the suit," Lorna says. "I know he thought of it as a way to get out in the world and be more of a hero. But I think he first decided to do it because he wanted to get closer to you. Albeit without actually revealing his identity to you and getting too close."

"Oh," I say. "I thought maybe it was a little more recent than that."

Lorna rolls her eyes. "Well you tend to be kind of oblivious. No offense. I guess it helps that I could see him without his mask on. The way his eyes would light up when ever he talked about you. It was undeniable really."

I like the idea of his eyes lighting up when talking about me. I try not to let Lorna see how much the comment pleases me. But I'm pretty sure she sees right through me. I'm not any more subtle than Anthony is, and if she could figure him out, I'm sure she could have me figured out in a heartbeat.

"Well none of it is going to matter if we can't pull ourselves together." I laugh. "I'm not sure I even remember the last time we had a conversation that was anything but awkward."

"Was the one where you made out with him awkward?" Lorna asks.

"Making out isn't a conversation," I say.

Lorna wiggles her eyebrows, and it's hilarious. "Body language," she says. "Besides, I kind of assumed there was some conversation leading up to the making out. Unless you just walked in there and planted one on him and he just went with it. Not that I think he wouldn't just roll with it if you walked into the room and started kissing him."

I'm laughing now, and it makes me hurt, but I don't care. "Stop it!" It's kind of strange talking to Lorna about making out with her brother, even if she is my best friend. Not as weird as it could be, though. Lorna at least doesn't seem phased by it.

"And no," I say. "I suppose the conversation leading up to it wasn't particularly awkward. I mean, maybe a little strange since he was just a little more, I don't know. Sentimental? More emotional than I was used to seeing him."

"You mean mushy," Lorna says. "And you shouldn't be too surprised by that. He's actually a hopeless romantic at heart. Emphasis on the hopeless part of that."

"Well even if that wasn't awkward, the part after where I ran away from him was. And before that were several awkward phone calls."

"Whatever," Lorna says. "You're both ridiculous. You're both making all of this so much harder than it needs to be. But I suppose that's part of why you guys are perfect for each other."

"You really think so?" I ask.

"You just want me to tell you how cute I think you and my brother are together," Lorna says.

I grin. "Maybe. Or at least some reassurance that maybe the two of us aren't quite as hopeless as I think we are."

"Oh you're definitely that hopeless," Lorna says. "But I still think that the two of you are going to figure it out. Eventually."

Then she gets a mischievous look in her eyes. "I think you should get some rest tonight. And when you're better, we'll have a little fun. It'll be good for you and Mark to see each other in an environment that's more fun than work."

"We have been on dates, you know," I say.

"Well apparently you still need some more fun in your lives," Lorna said. "I was thinking about having a little pool party. Us two and Mark and the girls."

"Why a pool party?" I ask.

"Because," Lorna says. "I mostly just want to see my brother's jaw drop when he sees you in a bikini. He'll be all awkward and speechless. It will be hilarious."

"Who says I'd be wearing a bikini?" I don't know that I've ever worn something that revealing when people could actually see me. Especially not when that somebody is a guy I'm interested in.

"At least a two piece then," Lorna says. "I think even a classy one piece could get his attention if it were form fitting enough."

"You have a problem, you know?"

"I know," Lorna says. "But his reaction really will be classic. I promise you that."

"Well if you're that determined to have this party, maybe you should let me get some rest so that I'm ready for it."

"Roger that," Lorna says. She grins and walks out the door.

Even though I'm exhausted, it takes me a little while to be able to fall asleep. I have to admit, I sort of like all of Lorna's talk about Anthony being stunned speechless by the sight of me in a swimsuit.

But I guess really are hopeless. Still.

Stilll.

One of these days we just might get things right. And when we do there's not going to be anything that can stop us.